The Voice of the Greater New Haven Jewish Community
Kosher Food Options Expand in the Greater New Haven Area pages 16-17
NEW HAVEN
WINTER 2021•TEVET/SHEVAT 5781
Inspiring Hope During COVID and Tough Times page 2
SAYING THANK YOU TO SHALOM BABY Grateful New Haven area parents receive the first Shalom Baby bags PAGE 4-5
THE TOWERS COMBATS FOOD INSECURITY
Co-Generator’s energy savings will help The Towers provide more kosher meals to senior population PAGE 21
FEDERATIONS HELP SECURE SECURITY UPGRADE FUNDING
$5 million in funds released for houses of worship and other nonprofits PAGE 3
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 2
FROM THE DESK OF
JUDY ALPERIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER I jalperin@jewishnewhaven.org
Building a Bridge to the Future Kol Ha'Olam Kulo Kol ha'olam kulo Gesher tzar me'od Veha'ikar lo lefached k'lal. The whole world Is a very narrow bridge And the main thing is to have no fear at all Bridges have always interested me. I always enjoyed traveling over the Tappan Zee Bridge during our family pilgrimages from Cherry Hill, New Jersey to Haverhill, Massachusetts, riding in the middle seat of my dad’s brown 1977 Pontiac station wagon in unfortunate reach of my sister’s grasp from the way back. The Tappan Zee was the opposite of “gesher tzar me’od” as it felt wide and expansive as we crossed the Hudson River. Later, when living in Pennsylvania, bridges became even more fascinating. There was a plethora of beautiful red-sided covered bridges which I enjoyed riding through on my bicycle as I traveled through the wooden, hilly terrain. I imagined the days before when the first settlers in the area, Pennsylvania Germans who sought religious freedom in America, would traverse the bridges on horse-drawn buggies and carriages.
Just last year, I crossed the famed Brooklyn Bridge for the first time as I marched with thousands standing up against hate and anti-semitism. The Brooklyn Bridge will hold special meaning for me now.
Instead, we find ourselves knocked back on our heels with membership reductions at the JCC in excess of 50% and other revenue streams impacted due to COVID-19-era limitations.
And yet Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav taught us that the whole world is a very narrow bridge (gesher tzar me’od). During these pandemic times, we feel that acutely as all that we knew before March 2020 has been disrupted with both people and places ripped from us. Our cherished institutions have been threatened like never before. So many have been left struggling through illness and loss of livelihoods.
But we are no strangers to adversity. We just marked the 4th anniversary of the fire that ripped through our community building. We overcame that challenge and executed on our bold vision to reimagine the community center as a vibrant centerpiece of Jewish life in Greater New Haven. We will do it again. The Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Task Force, is embarking on a Bridge to the Future campaign of $1.45 million over the next three years to return the Jewish Federation/JCC to its pre-COVID-19 success. If anyone can achieve the goals of this plan, it’s the staff team and volunteer leaders of this special organization that I am so honored to lead.
For the past several months, a special COVID-19 Financial Planning Task Force convened by Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven President Steven Fleischman has been working tirelessly to develop scenarios, financial models and a turnaround plan. As the committee delved deeply into the financial data, they discovered that had the pandemic not happened, the Jewish Federation/ JCC would have been on its way to achieving record results never before seen in our community. Membership numbers were more than 6,000 members and 18,000 people visiting monthly; the budget was on target to exceed revenues by $250,000. Unheard of. But we were unable to enjoy our success.
The world may be a narrow bridge, but we should not be afraid. We are together. United we will travel across this bridge to a bright sustainable future. With all my best for a better and healthy 2021.
Inspiring Hope During COVID and Tough Times
Many households are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. To support those affected by COVID-19, the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven hosted a drop-off food drive on Sunday, December 13. The food donations were brought to Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven that week, and they were overjoyed with the generosity shown. We sincerely thank everyone who participated in making this event a great success. Your contributions will make a difference this holiday season and beyond.
NEW HAVEN SHALOM NEW HAVEN is published six times per year and delivered free of charge to the Greater New Haven Jewish community by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. COPY DEADLINES Copy deadlines for the upcoming Shalom New Haven issues are: • Jan. 25 for March/April issue • March 25 for May/June issue • May 24 for July/August issue • July 24 for September/October issue • Sept. 25 for November/December issue • Nov. 25 for January/February issue SUBMISSIONS To submit an article or photo, please email shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org. Please include your contact information when submitting. Space is limited; submission does not guarantee publication. All articles are subject to approval by the editorial board. SHALOM NEW HAVEN STAFF Nurit Kohl Director of Marketing & Communications Ariana Fine Shalom New Haven Editor Wendy Bowes Senior Graphic Designer George Hauer Advertising Sales Manager EDITORIAL BOARD Chesky Holtzberg: Chair Chava Light Mark Oppenheimer Cindy Papish Gerber _________________________________ LEADERSHIP Dr. Steven Fleischman President Judith Alperin Chief Executive Officer Scott Cohen JCC Executive Director Lisa Stanger, Esq. Foundation Executive Director _________________________________ Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525 (203) 387-2424 jfgnh@jewishnewhaven.org jewishnewhaven.org/SNH
Federations Help Secure Security Upgrade Funding
The number one priority for the Jewish community over the last few years is combating the rise in anti-Semitism. Incidents are on the rise in Connecticut, the country and the world. One of the manifestations of this rise in anti-Semitism has been an increase in attacks on Jewish communal institutions. The $5 million will allow houses of worship across Connecticut to help secure their buildings against a possible future attack. “On behalf of the Jewish communities across Connecticut, we thank the Governor and other members of the State Bond Commission for releasing these funds,” said Michael Bloom, Executive Director of the JFACT. Once the program is created by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, organizations will be able to apply for up to $50,000 which can be used for: 1. the reinforcement of entryways with ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, computer-controlled electronic locks, remote locks on all entrance and exits, and door buzzer systems; 2. the use of cameras throughout a building, and at all entrances and exits, including the use of closed-circuit television monitoring; 3. penetration-resistant vestibules; and 4. other security infrastructure improvements and devices as they become industry standards. “We know that the Governor and other state leaders have many pressing issues to address. We are grateful that they continue to prioritize the need to help ensure that Jewish community institutions and other threatened organizations are in a better position to protect the people they serve.” says JFACT President Gary Jones. Eligible nonprofit organizations will be able to apply for funds incurred on or after July 1, 2019.
Coming soon...
The 2021 Beckerman Film Series
On December 18, 2020, the State Bond Commission released $5 million in funds for much-needed security upgrades for houses of worship and other threatened nonprofits. The Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT), which led this advocacy effort, welcomed the approval of this money because nonprofits are struggling to maintain services while investing in their security measures.
Making A Change?
Page 3, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
NEWS FROM HARTFORD:
At Big Y, we have the tools for you to maintain your Kosher home, while you eat healthy and live the life you deserve™. Big Y's Living Well Eating Smart team of registered dietitians can help recreate your family's meals, manage your weight and shop with your health concerns. Have a question? Don't hesitate to contact us! Visit www.bigy.com/LivingWell for more information.
In Good Health, Carrie Taylor, RDN, LDN, RYT Andrea Luttrell, RDN, LDN
Israel Welcomes Hundreds of New Olim from Ethiopia On December 3 and 4, 2020, over 400 olim, or immigrants, landed in Israel from Ethiopia as part of the first wave of Operation Zur Israel.
“Operation Zur Israel follows the Government of Israel’s decision in October of this year [2020] The flight, coordinated by The Jewish Agency for Isto approve the Aliyah (immigrarael, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the tion) of 2,000 members of the Ministry of Interior, landed at Ben Gurion Airport as Ethiopian community, many of part of an Ethiopian family reunification after more whom have been waiting for than a decade of separation. Image Source: The decades to move to Israel and Jewish Agency for Israel reunite with their families,” stated the Jewish Federations of North America in a December 6, 2020 press release. A poignant video of their landing in Israel can be found at vimeo.com/486986467. Find out more about the history of Ethiopian immigration to Israel at jewishagency.org/ethiopian-aliyah-explained. The Jewish Agency is able to carry out the important work of bringing Ethiopian olim to Israel and reuniting them with their families with the support of its partners, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and Keren Hayesod, and with generous support from The Christian Embassy, the Crown Family Foundation, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Jewish donors and foundations, and friends of Israel from around the world. Source: jewishfederations.org/about-jfna/israel-overseas/i-o-today/israelwelcomes-hundreds-of-new-olim-from-ethiopia
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 4
Left to right: Caitlin Steele (holding baby Jack), Baby Jack, son of Caitlin and Jeremy Steele, making good use of his new bib, and Brittany Branson receiving one of our great gift bags
Left to right: Julie Leviter’s baby shows off the new Shalom Baby bib, and Emily Gerdner (mom of twins) receiving two gift bags.
Shalom Baby Has Launched!
We couldn’t be more excited about this new outreach initiative from Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Shalom Baby is designed to welcome Jewish babies and their families to the Jewish community in the Greater New Haven area. Through this collaborative effort, synagogues, vendors and agencies that cater to our community extend a hand of friendship to families who have recently experienced the birth or adoption of a child. The first gift bag deliveries were to our program co-chairs Nicki Golos (Sergei Golos) and Shelley Kier (Josh Baum), who both recently welcomed babies.
We are grateful to Gayle and David Slossberg, the Premier Program Sponsors. Additional sponsors include: Sound Obstetrics and Gynecology (PJ Library Book Sponsor); Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers (My First Challah Sponsor); Barker Specialty (Bag Sponsor); and Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and The Milford Pediatric Group, P.C. (My 1st Shabbat Co-Sponsors). Other Shalom Baby sponsors include A Loving Touch Doula Care, Babywearing Connecticut, Inc., Edge of the Woods Market, JScreen, Women's Health Associates, LLC, and Yale New Haven Health Women’s Services. To learn more about Shalom Baby, visit linktr.ee/Shalom.Baby to find us on Instagram and our closed Facebook group.
COVID-19 MAIMONIDES RESPONSE FUND
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors
More than $428,500 Distributed in Emergency Grants for Critical Human Needs
Gayle & David Slossberg
jewishnewhaven.org/shalom-baby
People in our community are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. The COVID-19 Maimonides Response Fund has deployed over $428,500 in emergency grants for critical human needs such as food, housing, and mental health services, and requests keep coming in. Please help those in need and make your gift today. PLEASE HELP TODAY! jewishnewhaven.org/covid
Jewish Federation and JCC of Greater New Haven CEO Judith Alperin has been named as one of the 20 fellows in Cohort III of the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership’s (MINL) Executive Leadership Program. The program provides an opportunity to frame community needs, and strategize for the future of the organization. The program will benefit the Jewish community and the community at large, as the organization touches the lives of thousands in our community and many more globally.
Are YOU Paying TOO MUCH
“I am honored to participate in this incredible opportunity. When I applied to the program pre-pandemic I had hoped to explore a broader thought universe and develop a more diverse network to help Greater New Haven as we confronted the challenges and opportunities to ensure a strong future for the Jewish New Haven community. Today, this access to incredible mentors and educators is even more critical and I intend to advantage every moment,” says Alperin.
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Page 5, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
CEO Judy Alperin Chosen for Jewish Nonprofit Leadership Program
Alperin became the CEO of the Jewish Federation and JCC of Greater New Haven in January 2016. Prior to that, she served the Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania for 11 years in different roles that culminated in the role of the Assistant Executive Director of that Jewish Federation. Her leadership achievements to date in New Haven include rebuilding the JCC after the catastrophic fire that happened in December 2016. She was selected to this prestigious fellowship out of a pool of hundreds. Cohort III of the Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership will begin the two-year program in the beginning of 2021; it includes three seminars in Boston, a study tour in Israel, small-group work, nonprofit management workshops and mentoring opportunities. You already know life insurance can help provide financial “Wemay are enormously to all of the program’s applicants. They demonstrate the depth of talent in security for you and your family. But you have foundgrateful the the federation, JCC, Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRC) and American Jewish Committee (AJC) cost of insurance to be more than you can pay…especially You already know life insurance can help networks,” say MINL Director Ted Sasson and Assistant Director Liana Brodsky. if the premiums keep increasing year after year. security for you and your family. But you m For more about thecan MINL program, visit mandelinstitute.org/executive-leadership-program/ cost of insurance to be more than you can Trendsetter® Super 10, 15, 20, and 30 from Transamerica Life information Insurance Company help. about-the-program/. if the premiums keep increasing yea They are competitively priced term life insurance policies which guarantee that the premiums ® you pay will remain level for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Trendsetter Super 10, 15, 20, and 30 from Transamerica They are competitively priced term life insurance policies 10-Year Level Premium * help provide financial 20-Year Level Premium Policies * You already know lifePolicies insurance can you pay will remain level for 10, 15, 2 security for you and your family. But you may haveIssue found Issue Age $100,000 $250,000 $1,000,000 Agethe $100,000 $250,000 $1,000,000
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270.00 ZIP 640.00 520.00 1,370.00 1,130.00
Transamerica Life Insurance Company is rated A+ (Superior) A+ is the second highest of 16 CITYby A.M. Best for financial strength as of February 1, 2018.STATE ZIPratings awarded Transamerica Insurance Company Female 134.00 by 198.00 540.00 I alsoLife want to know more about: A.M. Best, A+ a leading independent ratingBest service evaluatesstrength insurance as companies’ financial andisability to meet obligations policyholders. Transamerica Life Insurance Company is rated (Superior) by Benefits A.M. forthat financial of February 1, strength 2018. A+ the second highest ofto 16 ratings awarded Index40 Universal Life Insurance Term Life Insurance with Living Male 234.00 453.00 1,520.00 TELEPHONE **
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by A.M. Best, a leading independent rating serviceCall that evaluates insurance companies’ strength and ability to policyholders. the Leibowitz Groupfinancial TOLL FREE fortoameet no obligations obligation quote. Female 196.00 Transamerica Life Insurance 380.00 Company 1,240.00 The Leibowitz Group is a General Agency for Transamerica Life Insurance Company. ** Call476.00 the Leibowitz TOLL20066789-1 FREE for a no obligation quote.**No Male 1,078.00 Group 3,940.00 quotes are final until Female 411.00 The Leibowitz 888.00 Group3,210.00 (5326) is a General Agency for Transamerica Life Insurance Company. underwriting is completed.
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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 6
Loving the Jewish Community by Nurit Kohl
For Nancy Cohen, Chair of Women's Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and Chair of the Women of Vision Society at the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, supporting the Jewish people is a mitzvah, never a question. “We have to take care of our own people,” she says. Known to many in the Greater New Haven community, Cohen is a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of four. She grew up in Hamden, CT. Cohen has been involved with many Jewish organizations in the Nancy Cohen Greater New Haven community, including Women's American ORT and Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven. “New Haven is a good stomping ground and we need to help anyone we can,” she says. “There is so much to do still in this community. The work is never done.” Cohen sees a great value on the work of the Jewish Federation, especially because it casts a large safety net and supports everything that matters for the Jewish community and for the continuity of Jewish life. "From babies and elderly in Greater New Haven, to Israel and everything that's in between, there is no gift that goes further in the Jewish world than a gift to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation.” © On Point Images
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Cohen was gracious enough to speak with Shalom New Haven on her 80th birthday, which was celebrated with a brunch with her two daughters. Her biggest birthday wish is for our community to come together and to take care of one another. To that end, for her birthday, she requested that her friends and family make a donation in her honor to the Covid-19 Maimonides Relief Fund and, to date, over $1500 has been donated. Please join Nancy Cohen at the International Lion of Judah conference (ILOJ) on January 24-25. LOJ is a giving society at Jewish Federations all over the world for women who are making an annual gift of $5,000 or more in their own name to the Annual Campaign. This year, the conference will be conducted virtually, making it possible for even more women to participate. It promises to be “the premier gathering of dynamic, philanthropic Jewish women.”
Learn more at jewishnewhaven.org.
Jump Back into the J Now is the time to come back and enjoy many of your favorite services and programs safely.
Stay Safe, Stay Fit, Stay Connected • Health Screenings and Temperature Checks for All Who Enter the JCC • Socially Distanced Fitness Center • Six-lane Indoor Swimming Pool • Pickleball & Racquetball Courts • Spin Classes • Free Virtual Group Exercise Classes • Therapeutic Massage
JOIN Y A D O T
JFS OFFERS VIRTUAL CAREGIVER AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS The Aging Adult Services program at JFS continues offering remote needs-assessments, case management, therapy, advocacy, family consultation, and supportive groups for clients and family members.
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one and interested in participating in a bereavement support group, reach out to Andrea Joseph, LCSW at (203) 389-5599 x112 or via email at ajoseph@jfsnh.org. The Aging Adults Program continues offering weekly check-in calls/supportive therapy to community members. Please contact Andrea Joseph, LCSW at (203) 3895599 x112 or via email at ajoseph@jfsnh.org. VIRTUAL COURT-MANDATED PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES JFS continues to offer Parent Education Classes (PEP) remotely in order to meet the health and safety COVID protocols. PEP is a court-mandated course for all parents with children under 18, who are involved in a divorce, civil union, annulment, separation or visitation case. The program is required within 60 days after a
• Parenting through transitions • Children’s developmental stages and warning signs • Cooperative parenting • Conflict management and dispute resolution • Parenting plans and schedules • Stress reduction for children and parents To find out more about our upcoming virtual dates, payment information and court vouchers, contact Barb O’Donnell at (203) 389-5599 x102 or bodonnell@ jfsnh.org. JFS WELCOMES KAREN MERKEL TO MENTAL HEALTH STAFF JFS is proud to announce the addition of Karen Merkel to their Mental Health program. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is licensed as a psychologist in Connecticut and Texas. Her graduate training involved psychological assessment and psychotherapy with adults and children in a variety of ettings. She has vast experience in a community mental health setting and has a special interest in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma-related difficulties. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES A PHONE CALL AWAY JFS is here for those in our community experiencing stress or depression, or needing help to sort out their feelings and
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A virtual family caregivers’ support group is offered twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday at 11 AM. Upcoming dates: January 13 and the 27, and February 10 and the 24. If interested, contact Marcy Klein, LCSW at (203) 389-5599 x116 or via email at mklein@jfsnh. org for information and to receive a Zoom invitation.
family 0case is filed in court. PEP is designed to provide parents with support concerning many issues that their families face during this transition. Some of the necessary information the class will provide will be on:
Page 7, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
Jewish Family Service Offerings for January/February
Top left and right: Thanksgiving food distribution to local families Bottom right: Karen Merkel, Ph.D.
fears. For more information, contact Hannah Leiterman at (203) 389-5599 x114 or jleiterman@jfsnh.org. JFS HELPS BRING NORMALCY TO LOCAL FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS The JFS Food Pantry continues to provide food and gift cards to local residents in need of food assistance. The Thanksgiving distribution was made possible thanks to the generous donations from our local community, synagogues and funders.
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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 8
LUNCH & LEARN
Together & Apart: The Future of Jewish Peoplehood
Led by Rabbi Josh Ratner
Congratulations to Jody Ellant
Mazel tov to Jody Ellant for her selection by Managing IP Magazine as one of the 50 most influential people in intellectual property in the world for 2020. She is the General Counsel at Romag Fasteners and also serves as the Co-Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Annual Campaign.
“After 9 months in self-imposed pandemic sequester, mostly here at my home in Connecticut, I was surprised and delighted to have been selected by Managing IP Magazine as one of the 50 most influential Jody Ellant people in intellectual property in 2020. As a reformed complex real estate transaction attorney, it is truly a hoot to be honored for work that I stumbled into defending our family business," Ellant commented on her Facebook page. As a result of her "stumbling" into the family business, she took action that would help defend those fighting for intellectualMaimonides property rights and loss of profit as a result of infringeJewish ment. Romag was founded in 1997Society by Ms. Ellant and her husband, Howard Reiter, Business who is her League Co-Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Annual Campaign.
Bring your lunch and your thirst for knowledge as we tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the Jewish world today
“As general counsel at Romag Fasteners, Jody Ellant led her company to its landmark win in Romag Fasteners v. Fossil this year,oninthe which the Supreme Court of the United States decided Shoreline that willfulness was not a requirement for profit disgorgement in trademark infringement cases,” wrote Managing IP Magazine. “This case is expected to make it easier for lawyers to win funds for their clients by arguing for the disgorgement of profits [...] Thanks to Ellant and Coalition WEDNESDAY’S: Jewish others who worked to secure this victoryJoshua at the Supreme Court, trademark lawyers will have for Literacy Society more predictability when they file suits and greater leverage against defendants to force setA Jewish Community Relations Council Program tlements.” Center for Jewish Jewish Community Relations Council Life & Learning
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Argued in January in one of the last in person cases heard by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Romag was declared victor in the SCOTUS case with a unanimous 9-0 decision. Also on the Romag team, with ties to the New Haven Jewish Community, were David Schaefer of Brenner, Women’s Philanthropy Saltzman, Wallman, a former President of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and Sabra Society of Congregation Mishkan Israel, Lisa Blatt of Williams & Connolly, whose in-laws were long time Congregation B’nai Jacob members Dr. Sydney and Ethel Blatt and Jonathan Freiman of Wiggin & Dana, a member of Congregation Beth-El Keser Israel.
Spreading PJ Library Cheer All Around Us!
NextDor
Kesher
Synagogue-Federation Collaboration
POP-UP STORYWALKS In honor of Thanksgiving 2020, families enjoyed a Pop-Up Story Walk over the long weekend featuring the PJ Library book, Todah. Todah means "Thank You" in Hebrew. What are you thankful for? Some responses from families that visited include being thankful for spending time with their family and their health. We're thankful for you!
LATKES & LIGHT COMMUNITY-WIDE HANUKKAH CELEBRATION On December 13, 20 families gathered online for PJ Library's Latkes & Light Community-Wide Hanukkah Celebration. Thank you to Chef Benny from Ladle and Loaf, Rabbi Immerman and the Schwartz Family from Mishkan Israel, and Rabbi James Greene from Camp Laurelwood for such a lovely program.
January Family of the Month The Kantrow Family
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
MAIMONIDES SOCIETY
February Family of the Month The Gerdner Family
Chef Benny from Ladle and Loaf and his daughter
Find out more about PJ Library at linktr.ee/PJLibraryGNH, including links to sign up for free books, upcoming events, PJ Library's Instagram and Facebook pages, the Closed PJ Grown Ups Group on Facebook, activities, and many other resources.
Page 9, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
Study and Play at
JCC’S ALL DAY AT THE J
To address the needs of our community, we introduced All Day at the J, a supplemental school solution to help alleviate the stress caused by school closures and hybrid schedules. Open to grades K-7, children receive high-quality academic support, socialization, and enrichment. It’s your very own classroom, with the benefits of the JCC facilities, veteran staff, and diverse programming. Our dedicated classroom facilitators will support your child’s individual online learning needs. With All Day at the J, your children get exposed to a variety of activities like rock climbing and arts & crafts, brain breaks, and academic support in a safe and supervised environment. Our highly experienced camp staff has led the way in implementing this new program and they have done so safely, successfully, and with rave reviews: “ The All Day at the J program has been a lifesaver for our family. While I work, my kindergartener and second grader get help with their remote learning and have the chance to play outside or in the gym during breaks and after school. Whether it’s finding surprise art supplies, helping create space for a PE lesson, or troubleshooting a zoom malfunction, the All Day staff are always helpful and supportive.” Register anytime. No long-term commitments required. Contact summercamp@jccnh.org or call (203) 387-2424 x253 to learn more.
Visit the Kosher Department at ShopRite of Hamden
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ShopRite of Hamden 2100 Dixwell Ave. Hamden , CT 06514 203.230.5000
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 10
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT HEBREW ACADEMY
Tradition of Gratitude with a Dash of Jewish Spice by Sarah Lessing
and consider ways to express it. COVID-19 created a multitude of obstacles in 2020 but SCHA took the initiative to turn difficulties into opportunities. “In conjunction with learning about the first Thanksgiving, the preschool took the opportunity to participate in the Gratitude Project, which Chabad preschools all over the world took on especially for this year,” Kaplan explains.
Freelance Writer
Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, we turn our thoughts to the multitude of things we are grateful for while sharing great times and food with loved ones. This past year posed a few unique challenges to the celebration. Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy (SCHA), eager to continue the tradition and excite students about gratitude, found multiple ways to teach them the importance of being thankful in their everyday lives. A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE ON THANKSGIVING Gratitude is a core value in Judaism, which is a central tenet in life throughout the year. The word “Jew” (“Yehudi” in Hebrew) comes directly from the Hebrew word “Yehuda,” which means “to show gratitude” and to “offer thanks.” Living in a state of constant gratitude to the Almighty for everything on a daily basis is inherently at the center of Judaism. As such, gratitude is naturally a pillar of the Jewish education SCHA provides its students from preschool to high school. SCHA Preschool Director Raizy Kaplan explains that, “every day we wake up in the morning and we say the prayer ‘Modeh Ani,’ which is thanking HaShem (the Creator) for giving us new life for another day. We carry gratitude throughout the entire year.”
SCHA's preschoolers participating in the Family Bake online event for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a great way to emphasize this attitude towards life and to celebrate with families, staff and community helpers. THE GRATITUDE PROJECT: SHARING GRATITUDE WITH OTHERS Thanksgiving is a joyful reason to explore thankfulness
This project offers students the chance to explore everything there is to be grateful for during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. To encourage children to notice the many things they could be thankful for, the school initiated multiple activities, such as engaging songs, special books, and creative activities like gratitude bracelets they would bring home and share with their families. With projects that were adapted to each class’ level, they also had the chance to explore the world of nature with its many elements to be thankful for—such as the sun to enjoy on their cheeks and the fresh air to breathe through their noses. Some of the classes worked on a gratitude journal; the teachers would document different things that the children would notice or were grateful for, says Kaplan. The project was launched to allow children to develop a greater appreciation for many parts of life they are (Continued on page 27)
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At Beverly Levy Early Learning Center, the children utilized the outdoor classrooms and spent as much time outside as possible this past fall, including for snacks and lunch. The program is also excited to incorporate a lot more nature into daily activities! Find out more at jccnh.org/beverly.
Page 11, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
JCC’S BEVERLY LEVY EARLY LEARNING CENTER
EZRA ACADEMY
Excelling in Spite of Pandemic Challenges by Julie Katz
Ezra Academy Board President When we hear the “Hindsight is 2020” expression, we’ll look back and remember a year of resilience. In 2020, in the face of monumental burdens, Ezra Academy’s teachers and administrators kept the school running smoothly, and our community continued to thrive even as we adapted to a new style of interaction. We continued favorite Ezra traditions, like our annual Bagel Breakfast, which raised $2,000 for Jewish Family Service in 2020 thanks to parent Joanna Romberg and a great group of Ezra Academy alumni. All of the bagels, salmon and cream cheese bags were assembled outdoors and distributed throughout the community. Our Hanukkah production debuted via live stream thanks to the creativity and editing talents of our eighth graders. They have written a Hanukkah spoof involving ancient Greeks who not only seek to conquer Judea but who bring the COVID virus to Jerusalem! Of course, the Maccabees win in the end. This past strange year afforded Ezra the opportunity to launch new traditions, too. We hosted a drive-in movie night, an online discussion on child anxiety, a first-ever virtual open house and parent gatherings across multiple classes. We discovered that lunch and class outdoors is a treat—and a break from wearing masks. Everyone in the school community has demonstrated incredible flexibility, creativity and patience. Now, we layer another challenge to the mix of new learning environments, distanced events and ever-expanding technology opportunities. Ezra Academy is embarking on a search for a new Head of School, as Dr. Melanie Waynik is retiring after serving the school for nearly a decade. With optimism and perseverance, Ezra Academy will continue to incorporate all of the technology we have acclimated to, along with the traditions and heritage we have shared with students and the community for over 50 years. Whether you live in Hamden or Haifa, Milford or Milwaukee, it’s easier than ever to connect with Ezra. We encourage you to join us for an upcoming event or virtual tefillah. Find out more about Ezra Academy at ezraacademyct.org.
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 12
NEW ENGLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
Inducting National Honor Society Members
New England Jewish Academy's (NEJA) chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed new members at an induction ceremony on November 19, 2020. During the candle-lighting ceremony, NEJA also honored its incredible central management staff, who each lit a candle representing an attribute of National Honor Society's core mission. The students and faculty wanted to acknowledge the service and hard work of Andrea Boyle, Rachel Thelin, Theresa Smith and Batsheva Oberstein. Since 1921, the National Honor Society has been recognizing outstanding high school students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership is an honorable distinction providing a meaningful foundation for life. Learn more about New England Jewish Academy at neja.org.
FITNESS & WELLNESS AT THE J
Getting the Most Out of Your Virtual Exercise Classes by Susan Donovan
4. Document your workouts and your progress. Keep a log of your workout days, and health and wellness goals; wear a heart rate monitor; and note your progress. Give yourself a virtual pat on the back recognizing your efforts and how often you “showed up.”
Director of Fitness & Wellness Services JCC of Greater New Haven Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live and other virtual options have been a life saver to some people who get their workout “Rx” by taking classes or group training at fitness facilities during the pandemic. A great alternative to the exercise-minded person, but it can be a bit of a struggle for those who thrive in a group environment.
5. If you’ve been away from your
Since these virtual workouts may be sticking around for a while, we may need to get used to it. Here are a few tips to help make your virtual experience effective, energizing and fun while you’re exercising at home. 1. Act like you’re not at home. Pretend you’re going to work out at your gym. Block off the appropriate time on your calendar and mentally prepare for class. Create a space in your home where you won’t be interrupted, have your mat or props set up, and shut off you phone! If you were in a class setting, would you be checking your phone or emails? And stay the full class; don’t leave early. Instead of rushing off to get back to your other responsibilities, try to really enjoy your class time as a break for yourself.
nected, even in a virtual platform. This also serves as an opportunity to share with the instructor any muscle or joint issues that may need modification.
exercise routine or are just starting a new one, begin slow. Being consistent with a slightly easier effort will yield better results than more sporadic, all-out efforts. Unless you are personal training in a virtual setting where the trainer is coaching you privately, keep movements on the conservative side until you build up your fitness level safely. Allow yourself to feel successful with every workout session that you are moving in a direction of better health, a stronger body and managing your stress in a positive way!
2. Get to class on time and adjust your device to chat with the instructor and other participants. In the JCC virtual Zoom classes, time is allowed before and after a workout to say hello, chat a bit and connect with others. We feel it’s equally as important to stay socially con-
3. Bring a friend! Whether it’s a person in your household or a commitment to workout virtually with another, this is a great way to hold yourself accountable to showing up and perhaps pushing yourself a bit harder with a little friendly competition.
Virtual workout classes are here to stay; they are an excellent option for anyone exercising from home. If you need help, guidance, or direction on where to start, contact susand@jccnh.org. Check out the variety of virtual programming our JCC offers via Zoom at jccnh.org.
by Tal Azizi
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven's Young Emissary 2019-2020
Why have we, the people in Israel, followed this election campaign so religiously? This is because in our eyes, just like my friends who live in the United States have claimed, this election was considered one of the most important elections in history. It is important to note that Trump is considered a particularly beloved president in Israel. Why, you ask? Trump has taken a different approach from President Obama when it comes to Israel. Trump has promoted an approach according to which the United States should support the Israeli side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its status and supremacy in the Middle East. This approach was reflected in various decisions Trump promoted. Among these decisions stand out: the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the transfer of the American embassy to Jerusalem, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran (an agreement that many Israelis consider as a dangerous and failed agreement) and the imposition of severe sanctions against Iran. Trump also promoted the normalization with Israel among Arab countries as a condition for various agreements between those countries and the United States (such as the agreement with Sudan in which Sudan undertook to
All of those decisions have led to Trump's positive image among many of the Israeli public, most of whom belong to the right wing of the political map. This great appreciation was also expressed in demonstrations and various support events of some Israelis who hoped that Trump would get another term as president. On the other side of the political barricade was Joe Biden, who some in Israel hoped would be elected and some hoped he would not. On one hand, Biden is considered a politician with pro-Israel views who supports economic and military aid to the State of Israel. During his many years as a statesman, he knew and was exposed to many Israeli leaders (from Golda Meir to Benjamin Netanyahu) and is very knowledgeable about the history of Israel. Joe Biden, on the other hand, was Barack Obama's deputy who promoted certain decisions during his tenure that were not always in Israel's favor (such as the nuclear deal with Iran). He also stated that he was interested in returning to the agreement with Iran and that he would try to promote the peace dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians and the two-state solution as the solution to this conflict. In addition, it is important to note the progressive movement that is gaining power within the Democratic Party, which Biden represents, a movement that does not hesitate to criticize Israel—both among Americans and in the international arena. Biden's election as President of the United States will certainly change the face of the Middle East, just as Trump's term as President changed the Middle East. We here in Israel are looking to the future in the hope of seeing how the election results will affect the Middle East, Israel and its relations with the United States. On a personal note, as I write this, I am getting ready for my IDF service. I expect and believe that President-elect Biden will maintain and develop the relationship between Israel and the United States. I believe that during his time as President, the close relations between Israel and the United States will be preserved. I will continue to follow the news from the United State with the hope for a healthy and democratic future.
Turning to Laughter January 24 is actually Belly Laugh Day. We have a rich history of Jewish comedy in this country. What better way to mark this day than turning to Hon. Max L. Rosenberg, a local attorney who performed stand-up comedy in the Borsht Belt, Catskills and New York City clubs.
I recently suffered from strange and unsettling dreams. An angry, green furry man was trying to stride toward me, but was hip-deep in candles. “What am I going to do with all these fakachte candles?” he muttered. “Who are you?” I said. He looked at me and snarled, “I’m the Grinch who stole Hanukkah!” I said, “2020 has been hard on all of us,” and gave him a pair of socks.
Hon. Max L. Rosenberg
It’s never been easy to be a Jew in society. We are always a minority and often a scapegoat. This is why we developed our unique brand of humor. Take me, for instance. Seriously, take me. You’re doing my wife a favor. But seriously,
folks, I’m a glasses-wearing, gefilte fish-eating, dark-haired, dark-eyed lawyer. I might as well be stamped across the forehead. Notwithstanding this fact and the fact that my last name is Rosenberg, I recently found myself sitting in a consultation with a woman who seemed oblivious to my heritage. She said to me, “The Jews are the source of all the problems in our society!” I said, “No, it’s the bicyclists.” She replied, “Why the bicyclists?” And I said, “Why the Jews?!”
Well, we find a way to laugh. Regarding the toilet paper thing, wouldn’t now be time for everyone to invest in matzoh? That’s what should be flying off the shelves. It lasts forever. It keeps you full. It even slides easily under a door. And it causes such constipation so who needs toilet paper? In any event, do you know what the number one food item that I’ve stocked up on for COVID is? Anxiety. And don’t worry, when this pandemic is all over, you’ll look back on this time and laugh...well maybe not all of you...
So what do we do in this miserable year that has brought us so much pain, shame and embarrassment? Where our 401Ks have magically turned to 201Ks? Where toilet paper is a rarity? Where our children have to distance learn? I just heard my kid recite that old rhyme: 30 days has September, April, June and November; all the rest have 31…except March, which has 8,000 and, in case you lost track, today is March 200th something.
In closing, I am reminded of the words of my zaide, “If you can’t say something nice, say it in Yiddish.” Max L. Rosenberg, a Stratford-based attorney, started his career as an actor in films, educational videos and commercials as well as a stand-up comedian. He is the Probate Judge of Stratford, Connecticut. In addition to many published legal decisions, Rosenberg writes a column for the Stratford Crier.
The last U.S. election campaign was a tumultuous one. Many of my friends in the United States described the recent election campaign as the most important election campaign the country had ever had. Throughout this election campaign the whole world had raised its eyes, in anticipation or concern (depending on who you ask), to the results of the U.S. presidential election. Like other countries, we in Israel have followed with devotion what is happening in the American political arena. Coverage of the various events and debates appeared in the news in prime time even before Joe Biden was elected as the Democratic presidential candidate. Near election time, you could not visit a news site or open a newspaper without finding an article about the newest updates discussing the election.
normalize with Israel as a condition for its removal from the American list of pro-terrorism countries).
Page 13, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
The U.S. Elections from an Israeli’s Eyes
Camp Laurelwood, a Connecticut overnight Jewish camp located in Madison, has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of JFAM, the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s (FJC) new family camp initiative. This groundbreaking new program, funded by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, provides overnight camps with financial and programmatic support to launch or expand their family camp offerings to provide meaningful and exciting Jewish experiences for families with young children.
As a participant in the JFAM program, Camp Laurelwood will offer three different family camp weekends each year for five years, beginning in 2022. FJC will provide important resources to pilot these programs at camp, including training, as well as a grant covering capital funding, staff capacity funding and subsidies for participating families. FJC designed this pilot program to help camps reach new families and engage them in the magic of Jewish camp. Camp Laurelwood will work with partner organizations throughout this process that will lead recruitment efforts with support from the camp.
After being forced to close last summer due to COVID-19, Camp Laurelwood quickly realized the need to safely invite the community to visit camp in some capacity. To meet this need, Laurelwood offered three weeks of family camp over the summer. This was the first time Laurelwood had ever explored family camp offerings; the response from the community was overwhelming. FJC’s JFAM program will allow Camp Laurelwood to expand on the programs offered this past summer and build on a vision of yearround vibrant programming rooted in Jewish values and traditions that sustains our community.
Rabbi James Greene, Camp Laurelwood’s Executive Director, noted the importance of this grant in terms of the camp’s vision. “Camp is a technology that we use to build Jewish identity, and we know that it works. It is what Laurelwood has been doing for more than 80 years. We are so excited to partner with Foundation for Jewish Camp to bring the magic of camp to families across the region and to build the JFAM program in the years ahead.”
With the success of last summer’s inaugural family camp program, Camp Laurelwood is confident the investment from FJC will provide the necessary resources to offer an even more robust and meaningful experience to families over the coming years.
Founded in 1937 on 140 wooded acres, Camp Laurelwood is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. It is accredited by the American Camping Association and the State of Connecticut. Learn more at camplaurelwood.org.
JCC Day Camps:
With Crisis Comes Opportunity
Your first time camper may be eligible for up to $1000 off Jewish Camp! The Jewish Foundation’s One Happy Camper program provides 1. Needs-blind incentive grants of up to $1000 for first-time campers and 2. Needs-based aid for first time and returning campers to over 195 Jewish overnight camps.
To learn more or apply, please visit: jewishnewhaven.org/one-happy-camper
PHOTOS BY TYLER BROWN ORTIZ
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 14
Camp Laurelwood to Pilot Family Camp Program Initiative
Last year, unprecedented challenges ushered in by a global pandemic transformed the very fabric of daily life. Nevertheless, JCC Day Camps persevered. Not only were we able to safely meet the needs of our community’s families, but we also provided children with much-needed structure and community. This past summer was the most challenging, but it was also the most rewarding. Our resilient staff and campers proved that, even in uncertain times, love will always triumph.
CAMPS
G U ST 1 3 JUNE 21 - AU
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Last year, we worked tirelessly to reimagine camp. This year, we are stronger for it. Join us for an even more fun-filled and exciting summer.
Register now & receive our Early Bird Special. Offer ends February 12.
Page 15, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
JCC DAY
Science Education
Congratulations to Dr. Heidi Gold-Dworkin for receiving the Million Women Mentors STEM Trailblazer Award. Recipients of this national award have made notable contributions to their respective peers and community and demonstrated excellence in the field of mentoring and STEM. Dr. Gold-Dworkin is the founder of Little Scientists, an international leader in early childhood, elementary and middle school hands-on science education. What most people
REGISTER ONLINE:
jccnh.org/camp
For more information contact Camp Director, Debra Kirschner, summercamp@jccnh.org
203-387-2424 x253
might not know is that the program had piloted at the JCC of Greater New Haven when it first started and has been a success there ever since. “I would do one a month and it would take me a month to design the class,” she said in an interview with Sandra Diamond Fox for The Hour. “The following year, I offered the program as a weekly enrichment class and people were coming from different parts of the state to take this class.” Dr. Gold-Dworkin, who had taught college-level science classes at Yale, found a special challenge in building a program for toddlers and young children. The idea first came to her when her daughter Aviva, a toddler at the time, asked her curious questions about the world she was discovering. Motivated by the desire to help children explore the natural phenomena around them, she started Little Scientists; the rest is history. She lives in Milford with her husband, Jay. They have three children, Aviva, Olivia and Robert. All five family members are valued supporters of the Jewish Federation and Israel.
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 16
Time for Kosher Noshing by Ariana Fine
Shalom New Haven Editor Kosher eating and shopping in the Greater New Haven area took a hit in the last two years with the closing of Westville Kosher Market and, recently, Abel Caterers after their combined decades of serving the local community. We are grateful to them for so many years of providing kosher fare to the Jewish community. While local supermarkets see the opportunity to expand their kosher offerings, we are also excited to see new kosher eating establishments open up in the area alongside other long-standing restaurants. The two newest additions are Ladle & Loaf and Fin and Scale. “For over 45 years, one Abel family member or another has been providing kosher catering services in the tristate area…This decision comes with much sadness but also with many wonderful memories of sharing in your simchas and your lives. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with and for the Jewish community,” Meredith Abel-Berei, owner of Abel Caterers, said in a public announcement about the business closing on December 11, 2020. “Abel’s Caterers has been part of our family of families for decades and it’s hard to imagine a future without them. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership, creativity,
kindness, philanthropy and imagination that Abel’s has provided through the years,” says Judy Alperin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.
Ladle & Loaf
With over 150 families in the Greater New Haven area seeking higher kosher certifications, Ephrat and Benny Lieblich saw an opportunity to launch Ladle & Loaf (ladle-loaf.square.site), which offers Middle Eastern fusion food. The chef and owners of The Gusto Kitchen, they will offer staples at Ladle & Loaf such as shawarma, sabich and falafel. The menu will include soups—such as shorba (Moroccan) and marak temani (Yemenite)—harira, gluten-free options, salads and many vegetarian items, Ephrat says. There is definitely a need as at least 100 families would not eat anything but Lubavitcher shechita, she explains. Offering more local kosher dining options runs in the family. Ephrat Lieblich’s cousin is Choni Grunblatt, the owner of the new kosher sushi restaurant. In addition to inside dining on Whalley Avenue, Fin & Scale (instagram. com/finandscalect) will offer takeout and delivery, Esther Grunblatt says. The menu, which will stay true to the Japanese method of sushi, will include salmon, tuna, yellowtail and other staples at the beginning with the menu set to expand to other exciting options. In addition to soups and salads, the restaurant will offer a full liquor bar
Come Here to Live a Joyful Life The Towers is the smart choice for seniors who want to leave a legacy. • No buy-in or up-front fees • One bedroom apartments for approximately $2,000 less than most market rate apartments 18 Tower Lane • New Haven, CT 06519 www.towerlane.org
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Claire's Corner Copia
Fin & Scale
and Italian coffee to complement the dining experience.
Claire's Corner Copia (clairescornercopia.com), located in downtown New Haven, is certified dairy kosher by the Vaad Hakashrus of Fairfield County. Every item in the 35-year-old vegetarian establishment is kosher, explains Claire Criscuolo, RN. She and her late husband, Frank Criscuolo, opened the restaurant on September 17, 1975. They have fun with their food, like offering a different kind of latke for each day of Hanukkah, she says. Since the pandemic began, Claire's has invested thousands of dollars in safety
Edge of the Woods on Whalley Avenue in New Haven offers a number of kosher items that can be found at eotwm.com/ specialty/kosher. They continue to offer kosher, all-vegetarian pizza (Cholov Isroel) on Thursdays and Sundays afternoons. All food and drink prepared “inside the arches” are certified through the Vaad Hakashrus of Fairfield County, including the salad bar, hot bar, sandwiches and deli case. The dairy is certified Cholov Yisroel. All bakery items behind the counter are certified kosher Pareve and Pas Yisroel. One of the supermarkets that has been quite responsive is ShopRite in Hamden. The location carries close to 1,000 different kosher food SKUs, including fresh chicken, seafood and meat; dairy items; and frozen food. Beigels kosher bread and cake items, and even kosher baby formula, are some of the dry grocery products available. They work with the Greater New Haven community to meet their kosher needs. Employees travel to Brooklyn every Thursday to truck in kosher items with higher certifications to the centrally located Hamden store, says (Continued on page 25)
Jewish Author Series
Jewish Book Council
IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
Thought-provoking series highlighting relevant topics. Engage with local authors and your community.
AUTHOR
BOOK TITLE
DATE
TIME
Paula Shoyer
The Instant Pot Cookbook
1/10
2 p.m.
Mark Oppenheimer
The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia
2/8
7 p.m.
3/4
1 p.m.
JOIN US FOR 2 GREAT AUTHORS AT ONCE IN MARCH Marlene Trestman Fair Labor Lawyer Jill Wine Banks The Watergate Girl Vanessa Ochs Paula Shoyer
Mark Marlene Oppenheimer Trestman
Jill Wine Banks
Amy Lutz Anna Mehler Paperny
Vanessa Ochs
Amy Lutz
Anna Mehler Paperny
METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 375. The Passover Hagaddah: A Biography 2. Wash and cut up squash. 3/14 Boil until2tender. p.m. Drain thoroughly and mash. Each Day I Like It Better: Autism, ECT, and the all Treatment 4/11 1/4 cup2ofp.m. 3. Add ingredients (except butter and the of Our Most Impaired Children 2-3 tablespoons of extra crumbs) 4. Melt reserved 1/4 of butter Hello I Want to Die Please Fix Me: 5/6 7 p.m. 5. Pour mixture into an 8"x8" casserole or baking dish Depression in the First Person 6. Pour melted butter to cover; sprinkle extra crumbs on top. 7. Bake at 375 for about 1 hour. Topping should be brown when done.
To sign up, visit jccnh.org/cultural-arts,
or email lbarger@jewishnewhaven.org for more information
“I believe we will appeal to the greater public in general; the fact that we will accomplish that and be kosher is phenomenal. It is really exciting for us to be doing it,” says Choni.
for customers, including adding HEPA filter air purifiers, upgrading HVAC filters, and installing ION generators on HVAC compressors and fans.
Page 17, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
in Greater New Haven
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 18
Winter Adult Learning with Congregation B’nai Jacob
Congregation B’nai Jacob (CBJ) is hosting its first-ever live Zoom transatlantic interview on January 10 at 1:30 PM between journalists Cindy Papish Gerber (Connecticut) and Rosie Whitehouse (United Kingdom), author of the critically acclaimed The People on the Beach — Journeys to Freedom After the Holocaust book (hurstpublishers.com/book/the-people-on-the-beach). One summer's night in 1946, over 1,000 European Jews waited silently on an Italian beach to board a secret ship. They had survived Auschwitz, hidden and fought in forests, and endured death marches— now they were taking on the Royal Navy, running the British blockade of Palestine. From Eastern Europe to Israel via Germany and Italy, Whitehouse follows in the footsteps of those secret passengers, uncovering their extraordinary stories. To commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, CBJ presents Michael P. Lawlor, J.D, a professor of criminal justice at University of New Haven, former prosecutor, legislator and Governor’s Criminal Justice advisor. The A Year of a Criminal Justice Reform? The Top 10 Trends Driving Change presentation will be held on January 17 at 10 AM. Lawlor’s discussion will explore central themes found in two award-winning films, 13th and Just Mercy. Viewing of both films (available on Netflix) is recommended prior to attendance. The former (youtube. com/watch?v=krfcq5pF8u8) combines archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars. Director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America. Based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy (justmercyfilm.com) tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who, with the help of Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction. The film is based on the memoir of the same name, written by Stevenson. For more info and Zoom links, contact Congregation B'nai Jacob at bnaijacob.org or (203) 389-2111.
TEMPLE BETH DAVID
Temple Beth David of Cheshire took advantage of the beautiful fall 2020 weather with several outdoor events.
Top left and middle, bottom left: The congregation’s religious school Rosh Hashanah drive-through event included different stations to listen to a story, hear music, receive an apple and say Tashlich. Bottom middle: Students participated in Sukkot activities in the sukkah. Top and bottom right: Attendees enjoyed an outdoor women’s Rosh Chodesh event.
Congregation Mishkan Israel Celebrates Community FAMILIES CELEBRATE TOT SHABBAT AND TU B’SHEVAT Congregation Mishkan Israel (CMI) invites families with children 6 years and under to a Virtual Tot Shabbat on January 1 and February 5 at 5:30 PM. On January 29 at 9:30 AM, families are invited to a Virtual Tot Tu B'Shevat Program. The Shabbat and holiday celebrations are a wonderful opportunity for families with preschool-aged children to get to know each other while enjoying a morning of blessings, stories, food and fun. VIRTUAL INTERFAITH SERVICE TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CMI’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service will be on January 15 at 7 PM. CMI has celebrated Dr. King’s legacy and his ties to the congregation since the 1970s. Rabbi Robert Goldburg invited his friend, Dr. King, to speak at Mishkan Israel on October 20, 1961 in celebration of his work and the congregation’s commitment to social justice. The congregation wanted to preserve this historic moment following Dr. King’s assassination, and thus began the annual service. Since 2009, Rabbi Brockman has invited other local interfaith clergy to make this service a true community celebration. Faith leaders from the Jewish, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Bahai and Unitarian Universalist traditions will join Rabbi Immerman in leading services. The event is free and open to the community. Congregation Mishkan Israel is a reform synagogue located at 785 Ridge Road in Hamden. For more information, visit cmihamden.org.
A Mini-course with Prof. Joel Baden Wednesday, January 13, 20 and 27 | 7–8:30 PM
Joel Baden is a professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale Divinity School. He is the author, most recently, of The Book of Exodus: A Biography (Princeton University Press, 2019). His other books include J, E, and the Redaction of the Pentateuch (Mohr Siebeck, 2009); The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis (Yale University Press, 2012); The Promise to the Patriarchs (Oxford University Press, 2013); The Historical David: The Real Life of an Invented Hero (HarperOne, 2013); Reconceiving Infertility: Biblical Perspectives on Procreation and Childlessness (with Candida Moss; Princeton University Press, 2015); and Bible Nation: The United States of Hobby Lobby (with Candida Moss; Princeton University Press, 2017). For more information and to register, contact Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven at office@tegnh.org.
Debbie
Kim
Holli
Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) has been awarded the John S. Martinez Community Service Award given by Columbus House, an organization that provides shelter for women, men and families. The award is presented annually in recognition of those who have exemplified community leadership and outstanding support for its programs. “Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel and its members have demonstrated a tenacious willingness to help those in need,” Columbus House noted in the award letter. BEKI is a host of the annual Abraham’s Tent program, a week-long stay at churches and synagogues for a group of men, under the auspices of Columbus House. After the pandemic cut short the program last winter, BEKI’s Social Action Tikun Olam volunteers provided food assistance as the men were moved into hotels.
Months later, when some of the men found housing, BEKI volunteers delivered furniture, televisions, small refrigerators, cleaning supplies and groceries. “As they have found new homes and some of them jobs, we have stayed in touch, sharing stories of our lives during these strange times,” BEKI’s Tikun Olam Co-chair Darryl Kuperstock explained. Prior to the pandemic, BEKI volunteers cooked and served a monthly dinner at Columbus House’s main shelter. More recently, with no volunteers allowed at the shelter and no non-commercially prepared food permitted, BEKI shifted to monthly deliveries of bulk food, face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. BEKI provided a catered Thanksgiving dinner for the men’s overflow shelter this year and collaborated with other local synagogues to cater a Christmas dinner for the main shelter, medical respite unit and overflow shelter.
Holli Shanbrom (203) 298-2050 Gisele Chona (203) 996-8316 Rebecca Lavi (203) 824-6809 Debbie Schlegel (203) 623-6780 Kim Thompson Rebecca Gisele (203) 360-2195
Mayleen
Holli Shanbrom 203 /298-2050 A SILVER CORPORATE SPONSOR
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Jewish tradition holds that Moses wrote the Torah. But as scholars have long recognized, neither Moses nor any other single author is responsible for Judaism’s central text. In these disProfessor Joel Baden cussions, close reading of the text will reveal the presence of multiple authors in the Torah. We will think about how and why (and when!) the Torah was composed and created. And we will try to understand how knowledge of the Torah’s origins influences our reading of it today. What does it mean to read a text that doesn’t provide a clear story, or consistent laws, or even a coherent concept of G-d?
BEKI Recognized with Community Service Award
Page 19, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
Who Wrote the Torah and Why Does it Matter?
Darryl Kuperstock and other BEKI volunteers prepare a kosher BBQ dinner to share with Abraham’s Tent guests in February 2020.
“BEKI’s partnership over the years has been invaluable to our bottom line and to our neighbors who transition from homeless to housed,” the award letter said. “BEKI’s commitment to Abraham’s Tent and ongoing devotion to the men who participate, monthly meal service, in-kind support, volunteer activities, along with countless other selfless acts make BEKI the perfect candidate for this award!” Other local organizations that BEKI’s Tikun Olam committee has been assisting during this pandemic include Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Chapel on the Green, FISH of Greater New Haven, American Red Cross, Jewish Family Service Food Pantry and JCARR (Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement). Find out more about Beth El-Keser Israel at beki.org.
Gisele Chona 203 /996-8316
Rebecca Lavi
203 /824-6809
Debbie Schlegel 203 /623-6780
Kim Thompson 203 /360-2195 Mayleen Li 713/972-4498
www.HonestAndProfessional.com
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 20
Foundation News
Retirement Plans and Charitable Giving Retirement plans can present tax-smart charitable giving opportunities both during a donor’s lifetime and in the donor’s estate plans.
1. Charitable Giving Opportunity with an IRA During a Donor’s Lifetime - Available for Those 70½ and Older The Charitable IRA Rollover is a way for donors, age 70½ and older, to pay less tax while supporting their favorite charities. A Charitable IRA Rollover allows donors to direct up to $100,000 (or less if they choose), from their traditional IRA, to charity, tax-free. The Charitable IRA Rollover creates an opportunity for donors to establish an endowment or make an outright charitable gift to a charitable organization. Your rollover can be directed for a capital campaign gift, current needs, or restricted for endowment purposes. Your gift can be earmarked for your synagogue, a local Jewish agency, Jewish education, or any program or organization that is important to you. Donor-advised funds do not qualify for the IRA Charitable Rollover. This strategy may be right for you if you: want to make a qualified charitable gift from your IRA to reduce the value of future distributions you will be required to take; do not itemize your deductions and would like to realize an increased tax benefit for your giving;
already contribute to charity at your deduction limit, and you want to donate more; do not need your Required Minimum Distribution (all it does is raise your tax liability); have a secondary smaller IRA you do not need; and/or wish to reduce your IRA and remove from your taxable estate. Please consult your professional advisor concerning your tax plans. 2. Retirement Plans as Part of Your Estate Plan Retirement plans, such as IRAS/401Ks/403bs, are tax-plagued assets when they are left to a non-spouse beneficiary Under the Secure Act, a non-spouse beneficiary of an IRA/401K/403B must withdraw the entire amount of the inherited retirement within 10 years; non-spouse beneficiaries are no longer permitted to “stretch” the withdrawals over their lifetime. For example, Mr. Cohen passes away (assume Mrs. Cohen predeceased him) and his 2 sons are the named beneficiaries of his $150,000 IRA. The sons will need to withdraw the entire $150,000 within 10 years, which means paying about $50,000 in income tax. That $150,000 asset, when left to the Cohen sons, will only be worth about $100,000. For a $1,500,000 IRA, the sons will need to withdraw it within 10 years and pay about $500,000 in taxes.
wish to make an impactful gift to benefit the community;
A TAX-SMART SOLUTION:
If Mr. Cohen had named a charity as the beneficiary of the IRA, at Mr. Cohen’s passing, the charity would have received the entire IRA, tax-free. Mr. Cohen could then leave his other, tax-free assets to his sons.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RETIREMENT PLAN GIFTS TO CHARITY DURING LIFETIME VS. IN DONOR’S ESTATE PLAN
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DURING LIFETIME
It’s not too late to open a Donor Advised fund with the Jewish Foundation
How it works:
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Establish a special charitable fund in your name with the Jewish Foundation
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Contribute cash or appreciated securities
The proceeds are invested and continue to work for you, tax free
3
Foundation sells the assets and credits your fund with the sale proceeds
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You receive a tax receipt for charitable deduction purposes no capital gains taxes are payable.
Request distribution to qualified charities — at your convenience
QUESTIONS? Call us, we’re here to help! (203) 387-2424, x382 lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org | newhavenjewishfoundation.org What do you want to do jewishly & how can we help?
IN ESTATE PLAN
IRA Only (Not from 401K/403B)*
IRA/401K/403B okay
Maximum $100,000 per year
No maximum
Any US-based public charity (but not to donor-advised fund)
Any US-based public charity (including donor-advised fund)
Not subject to income tax
Not subject to income or estate tax
Accomplished via rollover/distribution Accomplished by naming charity as from IRA directly to charity designated beneficiary for all or part of the retirement plan Contact plan administrator for rollover Contact plan administrator for proper paperwork beneficiary designation form Must be 70½ or older
Can designate at any time but charity will only benefit at your passing
*Want to take advantage of the charitable IRA rollover but only have a 401K/403B rather than an IRA? See if you can roll your 401K/403B into a qualified IRA. Please consult your professional advisor concerning your tax plans. For more information, visit newhavenjewishfoundation.org/ retirement-plans-and-charitable-giving.
by Gustave Keach-Longo President, The Towers
The Towers’ goal was to find a long-term solution to this chronic problem. They found a way to make significant strides toward helping seniors afford meals through The Towers’ own kosher kitchen. “We are delighted to announce that The Towers Foundation purchased a ‘Co-Generator’ that will provide approximately 40% of the energy (heat and electricity) needed to run the Tower One side of our building. This one-time investment will provide 25 years of energy savings that will then enable us to subsidize our residents’ out-of-pocket costs for the meals provided through our kitchen. This project also is a green initia-
closer to their initial goal of offering subsidies to the 120 residents they identified as having the need for on-site meals and lacking the funds to cover the costs.
When the pandemic hit in March, The Towers began feeding all residents three nutritious meals daily through their contactless delivery process, regardless of the residents’ ability to pay. The Towers used the resources at hand to help residents while reducing risk, exposure and transmission. Immediately, 198 residents took advantage of the subsidized meals. The meal subsidy program will continue through Gustave Keach-Longo, September 2021, when The President/CEO Towers will begin seeing the benefits and savings from the Co-Generator. The funds are predicted to subsidize approximately 67 residents to start and as many as 92 residents in the future. The effort brings them
The Towers is grateful to the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation’s COVID-19 Maimonides Response Fund for their support. They also give thanks to the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven/United Way Fund, The Yale University Community Fund and The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund. The Towers thanks community leaders Barry Vine and Joel Karp for their help with the Co-Generator purchase. Thank you also to the SWF Foundation for their matching dollars to help reach the $175,000 initial goal. The Towers is still raising the final dollars needed for the Co-Generator and could use the community’s help to fill the remaining gap. To help, contact Jennifer Bayer at jennifer@towerlane.org or (203) 772-1816, x290.
Well before the pandemic, The Towers was tackling food insecurity among the Greater New Haven community’s senior population. They identified many seniors in their care who needed access to on-site nutritious meals; reasons stemmed from being unable to physically cook for themselves, manage the planning and traveling to and from the grocery, or afford the meals. The arrival of the pandemic only made needs around food more pronounced.
tive that will be good for our environment and our neighborhood,” Gustave Keach-Longo, President/ CEO.
Page 21, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
Energy Savings to Support The Towers’ Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 22
From New Haven to the White House
by Burton Levine
President, The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven
At the height of their renown in the 1960s, the Rostow brothers Walt and Eugene were foreign policy stars.
During WWII, Eugene worked in the U.S. State Department and other federal agencies while Walt was a Major in the OSS helping to determine targets to bomb in Germany. After the war, Eugene became a popular law professor and then the dean of Yale Law School. He was an early
JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of Greater New Haven
advocate of restitution for victims of the internment of Japanese Americans. Walt was establishing himself at MIT as one of the leading American economists. During the 1950s, Eugene and Walt each spent a year at Cambridge University as a Pitt Professor of History. The Rostows were sons of immigrant Jewish socialists. Their parents named Walt after Walt Whitman and Eugene after Eugene V. Debs. Their parents’ socialism led them both to love America and to hate communism. In 1960, Walt was a speech writer and foreign policy advisor to John Kennedy. He coined the campaign slogan, “Let’s Get This Country Moving Again.” Walt left MIT in 1961 to serve in the U.S. State Department and as an aide to President Kennedy. Kennedy tired of what he considered Walt’s obsession with Vietnam, and exiled Walt from the White House to the State Department. Walt was one of the earliest proponents of bombing North Vietnam.
Walt Rostow in the Hearts and Minds documentary (1974)
After Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon Johnson fired his national security advisor MacGeorge Bundy and promoted Walt to the job. Walt became the face of the Vietnam War and a spokesman for an aggressive prosecution of the war. At the same time, Johnson appointed Eugene as the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, where he supported his brother’s policies. After Johnson retired, Walt was unable to return to his job at MIT. He was a pariah in elite circles for his support of the war. He eventually became a professor at the Johnson School at the University of Texas. Eugene, who was less public in his support of the war, returned to Yale. He spent the 1970s opposing détente with the USSR. In 1981, he was briefly President Reagan’s disarmament negotiator, but was fired for insufficient hawkishness.
Eugene V. Rostow gives his position on Vietnam as he testifies before Senate Foreign Relations Committee on his nominations to be Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. (The New York Times, Oct. 5, 1966)
The Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Rabbi Brian Immerman
The Jewish Historical Society (JHS) spotlights a pair of Jewish brothers with New Haven origins who were quite involved in foreign policy.
They had been overachieving stars since their youth in New Haven. Both went to Yale where Eugene won more than a fair share of awards and accolades. After Yale University, Eugene went to Cambridge University in England and then graduated from Yale Law School. Walt, three years younger, went from Yale to Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship; he then earned a Ph.D. in economics at Yale.
Learning to Truly Love
The Jewish Historical Society (jhsgnh.org) is dedicated to collecting and preserving historical documents, photographs and memorabilia of the Jewish community of Greater New Haven. Find out more at jewishhistorynh.org.
During the era of Jim Crow, Jews knew the pain of our black and brown brothers, sisters, neighbors and fellow Jews. We too were excluded from purchasing certain homes, from joining country clubs and from engaging in sectors of public life. This shared experience and deep sense of Jewish empathy motivated some of our great teachers marching with Dr. King, including Rabbi Goldburg, z”l, from Mishkan Israel. Rabbi Goldberg marched with and was arrested with Dr. King. Reflecting on his experience during a Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Goldburg wrote that the struggle to end racism “is clearly and obviously the basic moral issue in this land, and that our response to it…will determine the character of our country for generations to come.” Sixty years later, racial justice is clearly still a basic moral issue of our day. Racism was addressed during the civil rights movement, through the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, but it was not solved. The character of our country in the generations since have still allowed racism to exist and oppress people of color. We must continue to fight for justice and equity for all. One of Dr. King’s greatest assets was his ability to transform a story into a call to action, so that white people of all religions would know the pain that systemic racism was causing. Dr. King helped us understand how to fulfill the mitzvot of loving our neighbors and strangers. An old Chassidic tale tells of two men sitting in an inn. One was silent for a long time while his drunken companion talked and talked and talked. Finally, the quiet one spoke up, “Tell me, do you love me or don’t you love me?” “Of course I love you,” his friend replied. The other retorted, “You say that you love me, but you don’t know what I need, or what causes me pain. If you loved me, you’d know.” We cannot truly love others unless we both acknowledge their pain, and dedicate ourselves to bringing about relief. As we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, may we commit ourselves to this task. Rabbi Brian Immerman is the rabbi of Congregation Mishkan Israel, which will host its 54th annual interfaith Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service on January 15 at 6 PM with State Representative Robyn Porter as the featured speaker. To register and join, visit cmihamden.org.
What’s More Jewish than THAT? by Sarah Lessing
“I was born in New Haven at Yale Hospital; my first baby was born at Yale too, so it’s actually full circle!” Dr. Raucher says. She lived in Hamden until the age of 18 before leaving to attend school in New York City. After graduating from the Joint Program with The Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, earning a B.A. in Hebrew Bible and a B.A. in religion, she continued relocating to pursue a Ph.D. and then her new career. This path took her to Philadelphia, Chicago and Israel before she returned to Hamden for a short year and then moved back to New York City. She relocated to New Jersey two years ago. EDUCATION AS A VOCATION Today she is happy in New Jersey. Her position at Rutgers is very meaningful to her. She tries to adapt her academic role as it has been affected by Covid-19.
She continues to feel very connected to the local community. “My parents still live in Hamden so when we come back to visit them, it's like a reunion at shul,” she says. RESEARCHING JEWISH THEMES IN ACADEMIA “Education is important. The way that the Jewish Federation supports Jewish education is crucial. All of the support the Jewish Federation gave in the New Haven area has been particularly meaningful in my life,” she recognizes. Dr. Raucher’s early experiences played a big part in her choice to pursue Jewish themes in academia. As an undergraduate, she had many interests—from journalism to medicine—and then decided on the study of religion from an academic perspective. Dr. Raucher wanted to understand how religious people see the world and act in the world, she says. Her masters in bioethics offered classes with formal philosophy and principles; but when she took a class focusing on the sociological element of bioethics and how people make decisions, she found her true passion. She combined it with her interest in religion.
A student at the time, she set a goal to work on Jewish bioethics and the perspective of Jewish people. The topic for her dissertation “We had to transfer all of our courses in the focused on if it was just what the rabbis state middle of the semester to distance learning. or if there were other ways to make medical I made a lot of changes to my syllabus to Dr. Michal Raucher decisions about pregnancies, including about enable independent learning,” she menbirth control, abortion and prenatal testing. tions. The end of the semester came with a This study led her to Jerusalem for two years, lot of challenges, but the assistant professor where she conducted ethnographic research on reproductive found creative and smart ways to help students find the time ethics of Haredi women in Israel. and methods to get themselves through it. “I served them as She now teaches and conducts research at Rutgers a guide and I gave them the opportunity to choose their final University, which is home to an estimated 6,400 Jewish project,” she explains. undergraduate students and became the largest Jewish She considers that her job does not stop in the classroom. undergraduate population in the country. Her regular cours“I am always concerned about my student’s well-being. For es include Israeli Culture, Jews and Medicine, and Jerusalem example, I have first-generation college students or students Contested; they are open to everyone. “We have a lot of working full-time jobs. I found myself prioritizing my compasnon-Jewish students, which is what it should be. You don’t sion towards them and being supportive,” Dr. Raucher tells. need to be a woman to be taking a women’s study class. When asked if her Jewish identity plays a role in her academYou don't need to be Middle Eastern to take a class about ic position, her answer is unequivocal. “In a lot of ways, my the Middle East. And you don't need to be Jewish to take a Jewish values and the way I was raised influence the way I Jewish studies class,” Dr. Raucher states. behave and interact with students as a professor.” Her team works on attracting Jewish and non-Jewish stuShe explains that she has been surrounded by educators her dents to classes about Jewish history or texts. As going to entire life as both her parents were teachers. “I take it into my university is a way for students to get out of their comfort own teaching, but also in my research as that is the other part zone and enrich their knowledge, the assistant professor of my job as an assistant professor. I spend my time question- continues to honor this spirit with her open mind and rich ing, especially because my research is about human beings Jewish values. and understanding other people’s lives; it’s coming from the Dr. Michal Raucher’s book, Conceiving Agency: Reproductive way I was raised as a Jew.” Authority among Haredi Women, was published by Indiana Dr. Raucher’s childhood in the New Haven area molded her University Press in November 2020. It can be purchased journey. “We were going as a family to Temple Beth Sholom at amazon.com/Conceiving-Agency-Reproductive-Authorityevery week. My mom worked at the shul for decades. It was Haredi/dp/0253050022.
Freelance Writer Many local Jewish children have grown into strong, devoted adults before leaving Greater New Haven to start careers across the country. Dr. Michal Raucher is one of them; she grew up in Hamden and is currently an assistant professor of Jewish studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She reflects on her childhood as a young Jewish kid in Connecticut and how her experiences here have helped shape her journey and career.
a second home and everybody knew me. Older people in the community were extended grandparents. The rabbi’s kids are like siblings because I feel we grew up together,” she recalls.
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EDUCATING AND INQUIRING:
SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 24
Welcome to America Plant Trees and Connect the Посадить дерево -значит соединить прошлое и будущее Past with the Future
by Yelena Gerovich
New American Acculturation Program Coordinator
Someone who plants trees, or is involved in education, knows that it is about connecting the past to the future. Even when you do not see the fruit, you believe that it is burgeoning and is already on its way. The Jewish Federation has not stopped its educational programs despite the coronavirus pandemic. The New American Acculturation Program virtually gathered people and provided numerous individual consultations helping members of our community to enjoy the learning process and to celebrate Jewish and American holidays. Israel is one of the few nations that entered the 21st century with more trees than it had 100 years ago. Early Zionists planted trees in Israel to help restore Israel’s land, and as a symbol of the growth of the Jewish people. The Jewish custom was to plant a cypress for a girl and a cedar for a boy. Then when the child got married, branches from each tree were used to make the chuppah. Tu B’Shevat is the day that marks the beginning of the "New Year of the Trees." It is the period when the earliest-blooming trees in Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Tu B’Shevat begins at sundown on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, January 28. In Russia and many other parts of the former Soviet Union, Tu B’Shevat comes at a time when snow and ice still abound, and the sprouting of tree buds that the holiday celebrates are nowhere to be seen. The only fruit that was available at wintertime in Russia was apples. If you were lucky, you could find a food market with oranges or tangerines in stock. After standing in line for a couple of hours, you could buy up to two pounds (it was limited for shoppers). Some people brought their children to stand in line with them because more people were allowed to purchase more pounds. Not many Jews knew and celebrated Tu B’Shevat in Russia. In keeping with the idea of Tu B’Shevat marking the revival of nature, many of Israel’s major institutions have chosen this day for their inauguration, including the cornerstone laying of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1918, the Technion in Haifa in 1925 and the Knesset in 1949. Let’s celebrate Tu B’Shevat and connect the past to the future. We are blessed in Connecticut to be able to openly celebrate Jewish holidays. We have the opportunity to celebrate Tu B’Shevat with a variety of fruits despite the cold weather and the pandemic. The elderly and Holocaust survivors receive tremendous support from the organizations that deliver free food in our community. For more information about the New American Acculturation Program, including sponsorships of specific program, contact Yelena Gerovich at (203) 387-2424 x321, or email ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org.
by Cantor Jenn Boyle
Посадить дерево -значит соединить прошлое и будущее. Тот, кто сажает деревья или занимается образованием, знает, что речь идет о соединении прошлого с будущим. Даже когда вы не видите созревание плода, вы знаете, что он прорастает и уже в пути. Мы не прекращали наше общение несмотря на пандемию коронавируса, предоставляли индивидуальные консультации, помогая членам нашей общины получать радость от процесса обучения и отмечать еврейские и американские праздники. Израиль – единственная в мире страна, в которой сегодня больше лесов, чем сто лет назад. Количество деревьев в Израиле с 1948 года выросло с 4,5 миллионов до 240 миллионов. Ранние сионисты сажали деревья в Израиле, чтобы помочь восстановить землю Израиля и как символ роста еврейского народа. В древности в честь новорождённых детей высаживали дерево: в честь мальчика – кедр, в честь девочки – кипарис. Кедр символизировал высоту и праведность, а кипарис – красоту и благоухание. Затем, когда ребенок женился, ветви каждого дерева были использованы для изготовления хупы. Ту би-Шват- день, знаменующий начало Нового Года Деревьев. Это период, когда самые ранние фруктовые деревья в Израиле выходят из зимнего сна и начинают новый цикл плодоношения. Ту би-Шват начинается с заходом солнца в среду, 27 января 2021 г., и заканчивается с наступлением темноты в четверг, 28 января. В России и многих других частях бывшего Советского Союза Ту би-Шват наступает в то время, когда вокруг зима, снег и лед, и нигде не видно набухания и прорастания почек и плодов. Единственным фруктом, который продавался зимой в России, были яблоки. Если везло, то, можно было найти магазин с апельсинами или мандаринами в наличии. Простояв в очереди пару часов, можно было купить два килограмма на человека. Многие люди приводили своих детей, чтобы купить больше фруктов на большее количество людей. Не многие евреи праздновали Ту би-Шват в России. В соответствии с идеей Ту би-Шват, знаменующего возрождение природы, многие крупные учреждения Израиля выбрали этот день для своего открытия, включая закладку краеугольного камня Еврейского университета в Иерусалиме в 1918 году, Техниона в Хайфе в 1925 году и Кнессета в 1949 году. Существует традиция в этот день есть больше фруктов, чем в иные дни. Давайте отметим Ту би-Шват и соединим наше прошлое с будущим. Сейчас в Коннектикуте у нас есть возможность отпраздновать Ту би-Шват открыто, с разнообразными фруктами на столе, несмотря на холодную погоду и пандемию. Приятно осознавать, что пожилые люди пережившие Холокост получают поддержку от различных организаций, им доставляют бесплатную еду, помогают с доставкой продуктов, и им не надо стоять в очередях. С Новым годом! Для получения дополнительной информации о New American Acculturation Program, с вопросами и предложениями звоните Елене Герович по телефону (203) 387-2424 x321 или ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org.
Trees Sustain Us
Temple Beth Tikvah of Madison. We might normally consider Tu B’Shevat a minor Jewish holiday. It falls this year on January 28, corresponding to the 15 of Shvat. Tu B’Shevat celebrates the new year of the trees, a day when we eat different fruits from around the world and plant trees in Israel, as their spring is just beginning.
We read about this in the book of Deuteronomy. “When in your war against a city you have to besiege it a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy its trees, wielding the ax against them. You may eat of them, but you must not cut them down” (Deut. 20:19). Even as the city around them was destroyed, the trees were to be left unharmed, so that they might continue to provide food for the city.
This past year, I have come to appreciate just how much the trees sustain us. Our Torah is referred to as Eitz Chayim, a Tree of Life, because its teachings have sustained our people through the centuries. In the Torah, trees were an important source of sustenance.
As our own country continues battling disease, the winding paths and trails throughout the Connecticut forest provide much-needed relief from the pandemic. In the woods, we reach a place where we can return to almost normal, a chance to find some
solace and escape from the stresses of the world. This past year, we turned from our physical indoor places of worship to the sanctuaries that nature provides. No longer able to gather in great numbers in our temples, we find ourselves experiencing the Divine in nature. How can we ever repay the trees the great debt that we owe, for the fruit they provide and the spiritual sustenance for our souls? Other than appreciating their beauty, we can commit to fighting climate change and donating to organizations that protect our planet. For the trees to sustain us, we must in turn sustain them this Tu B’Shevat and beyond.
(Continued from page 17)
ShopRite in Hamden
Harry Garafalo, owner of Garafalo Markets, which owns seven stores in Connecticut. The Hamden store’s list of kosher brands includes Shor Habor, Meal Mart, Aaron’s Gourmet Emporium, Empire, Jack's Gourmet and OF-TOV, states Ronald Lano, the Hamden location’s assistant store manager. Fresh kosher seafood offerings include salmon, steel head trout, cod, flounder and tilapia. As the store continues to expand their offerings, Lano asks the community to reach out to him with additional product requests.
Community members such as Justin Lazarus, a junior at Southern Connecticut State University, are also approaching other shopping locations to such as Costco push for more affordable kosher food. Lazarus says there are three important things needed in order to have sustainable local kosher establishments: make sure the kosher level is high enough so everyone can eat it, make it affordable with bulk buying and weekly deals, and include really good customer service. “We must work together. It is not just Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative/ Reform; we are a Jewish community no matter what level of religion or kosher observance you are,” Lazarus implores. “So we must build it.” And that is what is happening in the Greater New Haven area as more kosher options become available at local restaurants and markets.
Farewell to our Friends...
1 Building 600 (203) 387-0852CT 06525 Woodbridge,
For those shopping for OU and OK kosher labels, they can shop ShopRite’s many kosher items, which includes some on company’s private label. Other area supermarkets with these kosher labels include Big Y and Stop & Shop, among other markets.
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Page 25, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781
Kosher Noshing in New Haven
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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 26
Tributes & Remembrances
To purchase a tribute card: jccnh.org, jewishnewhaven.org, newhavenjewishfoundation.org
JEWISH FEDERATION In honor of the wedding anniversary of Stan & Ellen Schulman Glenn, Betsy, Zachary, Zoe, Zevi, Jackson & Jasper Schulman In honor of the anniversary of Stuart & Velma Grodd Gillie Lender In memory of Sydell Sheinbaum Gerry & Debbi Barker and Family In honor of the birth of Sally Jane Fishman Stephany Cousins In celebration of the Bar Mitzvah of Zackery Anderson Jane & Doug Tendler In honor of the birth of Whitney Rose Perkins, granddaughter of Stacey & Hap Perkins Judy Alperin Amy & Mark Holtz In memory of Bonnie Karp Schwartz Carol & David Robbins Judy & Mark Sklarz Eileen & David Swirsky Joan & Stuart Margolis In celebration of Al Rose’s 75th birthday Carol & David Robbins In honor of the birth of the grandson of Stephanie Wain & Ruben Kier Judy Alperin In memory of Marion Bixon Joan & Stuart Margolis In memory of Sylvia Arovas Brenda Arovas In memory of Joseph Schwartz Judy Alperin Amy, Mark & Sarah Holtz In honor of the engagement of Jacob Wyner and Noa, son of Evan & Stacey Wyner Judy Alperin In honor of and appreciation to Jeffrey Hoos Rabbi Rona Shapiro & David Franklin In memory of Rose & Sol Sadek William Sadek
In memory of Bill Shlensky, brother of Carol Robbins Judy Alperin Amy, Mark & Sarah Holtz The Teplitzky Family JCC In memory of Elliot Stone Gloria Duhl & Family Arleen Winters The Greenberg Family – Paul, Audrey, Jeffrey and Lauren and Todd and Family David & Lori Seidman Joan & Stuart Margolis In memory of Elliot Stone to the Barry Vine Senda-Kid to Camp Fund Maura & Doug Milles In honor of Glenna Vine’s wedding to the Barry Vine Send-a-Kid to Camp Fund Barbara & Steven Zalesch In celebration of Loren Levy Chelsea Harry In honor of Helen Cooper Sheila Cooper JCARR In appreciation of Kate Ezra and her work with JCARR families Barry & Hyla Vine COVID-19 MAIMONIDES RESPONSE FUND In honor of Sarah Holtz’s graduation from the Phillips School of Nursing at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Lisa Stanger In memory of Michael Suesserman Ellen Suesserman In memory of Herbert Suesserman Ellen Suesserman In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Max Roberts Linda Tishler
In memory of Paul Kaplan Linda Tishler In memory of Robert Stern Linda Tishler In honor of Doris & Edward Zelinsky Joshua & Eve Zelinsky In honor of Nancy Cohen’s special birthday Judi Hahn Emily Sandberg Sami Merit Stacey Trachten Judy Skolnick Dana Schwartz Ana White Betsy Hoos Robyn Teplitzky Judy Alperin Amy, Mark & Sarah Holtz Linda, Mike, Jill & Danielle Epstein Jen Bayer Barbara Berkowitz Ellen Landowne Gail Cookson Merle Silver Doreen Testa Lesli Greenberg Mary Pat & Peter Healey Judy Cooper Joan, David & Oscar O’Brasky Brian Keigan Paddy & Eddie Schwartz Eli Shrayer Muriel & Midge Rozen Stacey, Mike, Dillon & Samara Rozen Marcia & Marv Jamron Lisa Stanger & Greg Colodner Jodi Seidner In honor of our son, Moshe Usadi’s wedding Betty & Arthur Levy In honor of the hard work and dedication of the Total Financial Resource Development Team Sarah Holtz
JEWISH FOUNDATION BECKERMAN FAMILY CAMPING EXPERIENCE FUND FOR CAMP LAURELWOOD, JCC DAY CAMP & NH REG. FRESH AIR FUND In memory of Mr. George Savage, Sr. David & Ruthann Beckerman WOMEN OF VISON SOCIETY ENDOWMENT FUND In loving memory of my mother, Elizabeth H. Goldstein Judith G. Naden DAUGHTERS OF 1853 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Bessie B. Kraft, Jeanne K. Alterman & Sally H. Kraft Lawrence & Betsy Rosenthal In memory of Regina Weil Baumann, Ruth Baumann Leichter & Claire Baumann Ginsburgh Warren & Mary Ann Flagg THE HENRY AND MARION BIXON FUND In memory of Marion Natalie & Bob Unger Paul Canelli & Connie Rogers Despina A. Zaharides Donald & Annmarie Russo & Son Gail & Mervin Kroop Liliane & Bruce McClenning David & Norma Berger Robert Perelman Felicia & Michael Rumanoff MATTHEW GRANT OLINS TZEDAKAH FUND Marc Olins & Lydia Levine LEONARD MARGOLIS ATHLETIC ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of David Pels Ronda & Stephen Margolis THE NANCI & CRAIG SKLAR FAMILY FUND In memory of Doris Schulman Craig & Nanci Sklar ELLIOT S. ALDERMAN MEMORIAL FUND FOR THE BENEFIT OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM In memory of Elliot Alderman Cyna Alderman SOPHIE MERVINE-SCHIFF TZEDAKAH FUND In honor of Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah Aunt Leah Merritt Mervine Grandparents, Larry & Barbara Mervine
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ZOOM FAMILY BAKE KEEPS SENSE OF WARMTH AND COMMUNITY For years on Thanksgiving, SCHA has been organizing a community event where students and their families participate together. “Every single year, it is a beautiful morning where the kids prepare different performances they do for parents, and make decorations and several dishes that we serve at the Thanksgiving Feast,” mentions Kaplan. This year, COVID didn’t stop her team; they worked to maintain a sense of warmth and community. Strictly following protocols for health and safety, they created a Thanksgiving Family Bake that would allow the whole family to participate in the celebration. Each family received pre-packaged and measured ingredients for a delicious blueberry cake and over 40 families interacted on Zoom to bake together. They then had a heart-warming surprise of viewing a video of their children performing songs and pictures of what they had been learning in school.
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Leah Sandman, who has been sending her children to SCHA for over 16 years, joined the joyous online event and reports. “I was wondering how the preschool would celebrate Thanksgiving this year instead of the usual festive feast. All I can say is that Raizy and the teachers put together the most interactive fun activity for both my daughter Sara to enjoy with her siblings as well as her classmates and teachers! My daughter was so proud of her cake, she felt very independent pouring in each individually labeled and measured ingredient,” says Sandman. The parents were grateful for the experience and the opportunity to share a special activity together, just like any other year. SCHA does not know yet how the celebration of Thanksgiving will be organized next year, but it will definitely continue to be an uplifting experience for all families involved. Let’s all jump on the bandwagon of gratitude and joy, and maintain this beautiful outlook all year. Learn more about Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy at schacademy.org.
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(Continued from page 10) grateful for on a daily basis; there is a strong focus on people and the value that sharing their gratitude with others can have. This past year has taught us—perhaps more than ever—that the people in our lives are what is most important. With this in mind, the little artists created hand-made thank you Emergency Medical Service professionals receiving handmade card from SCHA preschoolers cards that they distributed to the school staff and sent to Emergency Medical Service professionals. They were very appreciative of that, Kaplan proudly shares.
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Tradition of Gratitude
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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2021 5781 Page 28
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We Were Built For This We are living in a unique and difficult moment in our history. When the pandemic hit we came together to care for the vulnerable, providing kosher meals and delivery services to seniors and others in need, emergency aid to struggling families, vocational training for growing numbers of job seekers and protective gear for frontline workers and schools. We mobilized an army of staff and volunteers to reach out to 10,000 community households and offer a kind word and check on their well-being. We accomplished great things, but nothing out of the ordinary. For more than 100 years the Jewish Federation has been taking care of our community, Israel, and Jews around the world. With the support of generous donors, we helped make the desert bloom, and saw to the signing of the declaration of independence; we rescue(d) Jews around the world and resettled them in our historic homeland and right here in New Haven. Locally, we helped to establish The Jewish Home, The Towers, Camp Laurelwood, and we have sustained the Jewish Agencies in our community year after year after year. That is why we say the Jewish Federation was built for this moment. We’ve been taking care of our community since the earliest days of modern Jewish history, and thanks to the support of more than 2,000 donors, we will continue to meet the vast and growing needs of all who are counting on us. We are here for good.
To participate in the 2021 Annual Campaign, please visit
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